Holiday makeup looks typically lean into the festivities — think red lips and loads of sparkle — but for a more subtly sophisticated look, consider this season’s array of new matte eye shadows. “I love the contrast of a matte shadow on the eyes alongside a luminous complexion,” says celebrity makeup artist Lisa Aharon. Laura Mercier’s Caviar Stick Eye Shadow comes in moody colours like Dusk, a mauve, and the navy Midnight Blue that can be drawn on lids and smudged out for a smoky eye. For daytime, Ami Colé’s Lid Joy is a super-pigmented liquid shadow in rich browns that complement a range of skin tones. For those interested in exploring something more electric, Aharon (who recently worked with Gwyneth Paltrow for the CFDA awards) suggests starting with a liner, like the multiuse Precision Colour Pencil from 19/99. It comes in a bright orange and cornflower blue that can be drawn on the lash line for just a wink of colour or buffed out over the lid. Merit’s creamy Solo Shadow offers statement shades like navy blue and army green that go on sheerly so you can add depth as you layer. When working with powder shadows, like those found in Hermès Beauty’s Ombres d’Hermès palette, Aharon likes to first use a primer and then hold a folded tissue under the eye to catch any fallout. For Aharon’s suggested luminous complexion, dab Westman Atelier’s Liquid Super Loaded highlighter onto cheekbones.
Matte Eye Shadows That Bring Sophistication to Holiday Season Makeup
Veer away from the lipstick this festive season and make your holiday look all about the eyes.
Clockwise from top left: Merit Beauty Solo Shadow in Midnight; Laura Mercier Caviar Stick Eyeshadow Matte in Dusk; Ombres d’Hermès eye shadow quartet in Ombres Végétales; Ami Colé Lid Joy in Bed-Stuy; 19/99 Precision Colour Pencil in Wasser. Courtesy of the brands. 